The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-12-04
THE FISHERIES QUESTION.
THE ISSUE BETWEEN THE UNITED
STATES AND CANADA STATED,
The Differences Which Will Have to be
Reconciled-The Commercial Rela-
tions Involved-What the United
States Wishes to Secure,
Special Dispatch to the Appeal.

Special Dispatch to the Appeal.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 3.--There was lit
tie gathering in the lobby Of Wizards
hotel this afternoon, at which the subject
OF the fisheries negotiations came up. In
the party there were seven congressman
from different sections Of the country, and,
strange as it may appear, there was not one
among them who could give an intelligent
idea as to the points in controversy. The
gentlemen in the party were fair samples
OF the remainder of their associates. OF
the 1925 members of the house il is safe to
say that less than twenty-five could ex-
plain the merits OF the controversy. Yet
the subject is simple one. There has al
ways been dispute between this country
and Canada over the question of jurisdic-
ton over certain and-locked BAYS and
gulfs along the Canadian coast. Canada
has held that under the treaty of 1918,
which is the only convention now in force
between the two countries, the vessels OF
the United States have no right in any Of
the bays. The United States, on the other
hand, argues that the Dominion govern
ment has no jurisdiction over the waters
OF the bays which are more than six miles
in width across their mouths. By the
treaty OF 1854 all difficulties between the
two countries were for the time being
settled, and practical reciprocity between
Canada and the United States was estab-
lished. But owing 10 the attitude of the
Canadians, as well as the English, toward
the United States during the civil war, a
strong sentiment was created in this coun-
try against our neghbors, and il was an
easy matter for the opponents OF reciproc-
ity TO secure the abrogation Of the treaty.
This action created great deal OF dissatis-
faction among the class most directly inter
ested in the fisheries, and it was not long
before another attempt was made 10 induce
President Grant TO enter into negotiations
with the British authorities for
renewal OF the commercial relations with
the Dominion. Grant was firm believer
in the policy OF protection, and he feared
that q reciprocity treaty would produce
more harm in this country than good at
that time. In consequence he declined to
negotiate. But in 1871 a Joint high com
mission met in this city and negotiated n
convention which provided that there
should be reciprocity rs fur as the fisheries
were concerned. II was stipulated that
the United States should pay 10 Canada
such sum rs might be deemed proper com
pensation for the rights which Canada was
to concede. The sum fixed upon was
$500, 600, and every one thought that
Canada received the better part OF the bar
gain. The award was paid by this country,
and at the earliest possible moment the
United States notified her maiesty's gov
eminent that il was desirable that the
treaty should be abrogated. This was
done in pursuance 10 the instructions of
Congress in 1885, and since that time the
treaty OF 1918 has been the only law upon
which the American fishermen along the
eastern coast could base their actions in
Canadian waters. Canada wants q renewal
Of the treaty OF 1851, ii that can be- secured.
II that is out OF the question, the adj
yantagCs which were enjoyed under the
agreement Of 1871 would prove
acceptable. Since the abrogatiOn
Of the treaty OF Washington the
fishermen OF the United States have
been denied, not only the right 10 fish ia
the waters Of the Canadian bays and in
lets but, besides, the commercial ports OF
Canada have been closed to them for all
purposes, and they have not been allowed
10 purchase bait or supplies in any Of
them. In other words, the Canadians
have adopted a policy toward the United
States which would have been tolerated
by no other nation on the globe. Their
object was undoubtedly 10 secure conccs-
sions from the United States by force.
But Congress thought of different
plan by which to bring them 10 their
senses, and ut the suggestion OF Senator
Edmunds bill was passed which gives
the President the power 10 declare an em-
barge against all Canadian products Of
whatever name or nature. when in his
judgment II may appear for the best inter
csls Of the country TO do 80. Fortunately
the past season has not been marked by
the commission Of ~ many outpgcs by
the Dominion authorities upon American
fishermen, and IL has not yet been deemed
Tor the "best interests Of the country" TO
enforce the law.
Now that the ncgotiaiors are In session
in Washington, Il Is likely that there will
be some convention preparation the action
OF the Senate, which may or may not ratiiy
il, which will settle the questions ut issue.
IL j. certain that both sides will have 60
make large concessions II any agreement Is
reached. The United Stntcs, for instance,
cannot demand that Canada rcnouncc her
right 10 control the waters within the bays
along her coasts ~ long as this country in
Ests upon the right TO absolute control OF
the waters OF Behring's soa. Neither can
we insist upon the position taken by Sec
rotary Biyard that the right 90
fish in Canadian waters is inherent in
Americans because our iorciathors were
allowed TO fish wherever they pleased
without molcstation. II Is said, and gen
orally believed, that the Americans on the
commission have proposed that q treaty of
reciprocity in commerce he the basis Oi the
agreement between the two countries. Sir
Charles Upper, the Canadian member, Is
known to be in favor OF reciprocity, but
Joseph Chamberlain aud Mr. West, the
other two members Of the commission, arc
said 20 fear that q reciprocity treaty would
be as injurious 10 the commerce Of Eng
land rs Il would be beneficial 10 that Of the
United States and Canada. For this Va-
son Il Is extremely doubtful n an agree
mcnt can be reached upon this basis.
Although Gen. Grant opposed the idea
Of a commercial reciprocal treaty between
the United States and Canada the idea
now meets with much favor. The reason
Is that Canada has adopted policy Of pro-
lection which, in the event OF the niilca-
ton Of a reciprocity treaty, would give the
United States n big advantage In the Do
minion markets.